Jimmy Hiott, CEO of the Colleton Medical Center, gave a Covid update and the hospital’s response at the Colleton County Legislative Delegation virtually meeting on Jan. 5.
Hiott said CMC currently has 35 Covid positive patients in house. “This is a peak for us,” said Hiott. “This is causing difficulties on our floors, especially on hall two where we admit those (Covid) patients. This also impacts our emergency room regarding wait time. This is stretching everyone, but we are doing the best we can. Pray that the vaccine helps. Over 40 percent of hospital employees have been vaccinated. At this time, 416 employees have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 167 have received their second dose. The Hospital Association and DHEC are next moving outside the hospital to (vaccinate) other health care facilities: home health care employees, hospice — requesting enough vaccines to help those who need it, hoping to slow the pandemic. CVS and Walgreens will be giving vaccinations and cover the health care professional workforce.”
According to Hiott, the hospital is working to partner with other local members of the CDC’s Phase 1A, including members of Colleton Fire Rescue and local physician’s practices. While the vaccine is not mandatory, Hiott is strongly encouraging staff to receive it while it is available.
SCDHEC announced Monday that hospitals can begin to vaccinate admitted patients age 70 and older who do not currently have Covid-19 and when the provider feels the vaccine is indicated for the patient.
Also, beginning Wednesday Jan. 13, any S.C. resident age 70 or older can begin scheduling appointments for receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
However, at this time, vaccinations are not available to the public at Colleton Medical Center; only CMC employees and community health workers will be vaccinated.
